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Lula Warns US Naval Build-Up Near Venezuela Could Spark Conflict — Will Raise Concerns with Trump

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said he is "very concerned" about a US military build-up near Venezuela and plans to raise the matter with President Donald Trump. He warned against escalation, invoking lessons from the Russia–Ukraine war. The US has deployed carrier groups, warships and stealth aircraft to the area and has carried out strikes on over 20 vessels since September, actions linked to more than 80 deaths. Lula urged diplomacy to prevent a wider conflict.

09:32 PM, 11/23/2025Security
Lula Warns US Naval Build-Up Near Venezuela Could Spark Conflict — Will Raise Concerns with Trump

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said he is "very concerned" about a growing United States military presence near Venezuela and plans to raise the issue directly with US President Donald Trump. Speaking to reporters in Johannesburg after attending the G20 summit, Lula warned that the deployments risk unintended escalation.

"I am very concerned about the military apparatus that the United States has placed in the Caribbean Sea. I intend to discuss this with President Trump because it worries me."

Lula cautioned against a rush to confrontation:

"I think there is no reason to have a war now. Let us not repeat the mistake that happened in the war between Russia and Ukraine. Once a shot is fired, it is hard to predict how it will end."

What has happened

Washington has dispatched an aircraft carrier strike group, additional navy warships and stealth aircraft to waters off Venezuela. US forces also issued advisories asking civilian aircraft operating in Venezuelan airspace to "exercise caution."

Since September, US forces say they have struck more than 20 vessels in the Caribbean Sea and the eastern Pacific; those strikes have been presented as targeting drug traffickers and have been linked to more than 80 deaths. US officials allege the vessels were involved in drug-running but have not publicly presented detailed evidence.

Political context and regional concerns

Washington accuses Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro of leading a "terrorist" drug cartel, and the US administration has not formally ruled out deploying ground forces. Lula emphasized Brazil's stake in the situation, noting the countries share a border, and urged diplomatic efforts to prevent a confrontation.

President Trump did not attend the Johannesburg G20 meeting; Lula said he will seek to raise the matter directly with him. The remarks reflect broader regional unease about military escalation and the potential for unintended consequences.

Source: Remarks by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in Johannesburg.

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